There are some visitors who have a special way of lighting up an entire room before they’ve even said hello. Of course, these particular visitors don’t say hello with words. They arrive with wagging tails, happy paws, and plenty of love to share!
After such a wonderful visit earlier this summer, Love On A Leash is returning to Knollwood Retirement Community on Saturday, September 5, and our residents and team members couldn’t be more excited to welcome the therapy dogs back.
Their July visit was truly a treat. From the moment the dogs arrived, smiles seemed to follow them wherever they went. Residents enjoyed petting their soft fur, watching their playful personalities shine, and simply spending time in the comforting company of these very special four-legged friends.
For many older adults, dogs also have a remarkable way of opening the door to memories. A gentle nuzzle or familiar wag of a tail can bring back stories of a beloved childhood pet, a family dog, or years spent caring for animals of their own. Those moments can be especially meaningful for residents living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.
That is one reason we are especially looking forward to welcoming Love On A Leash to Memory Lane from 10:30–11:00 a.m. The dogs will then continue their visit in the Main Lobby from 11:00–11:30 a.m., giving residents throughout our community an opportunity to join in the fun.
Therapy dog visits may look simple from the outside: a resident pets a dog, a tail starts wagging, and someone breaks into a smile. But within those small interactions can be something much bigger. The companionship of an animal can encourage conversation and social interaction, provide a soothing presence, inspire gentle movement, and create moments of connection that brighten the entire day.
At Knollwood, we treasure opportunities that bring our community together and add a little extra happiness to our residents’ days. Sometimes that happiness happens to arrive on four paws!
We are so grateful to the wonderful Love On A Leash therapy dog teams who share their time, their hearts, and their pups with our residents. After seeing how much joy their last visit brought to Knollwood, inviting them back was an easy decision.
Get ready, Knollwood. The tail wags are returning!
Love On A Leash Therapy Dog Visit
Saturday, September 5, 2026
Memory Lane: 10:30–11:00 a.m.
Main Lobby: 11:00–11:30 a.m.
We can’t wait for another morning filled with happy hearts, furry friends, and plenty of smiles!
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior supportive living in Granite City, IL, Collinsville, IL, or the surrounding areas, please contact the caring staff at Knollwood Retirement Community today at (618) 226-5755.
Offering seniors age 65 and older a wealth of amenities to retain as much independence as they are able, with support, in a home-like environment in our supportive living community.
- The Power of Music: Connection, Memories & Meaningful Moments at Knollwood - August 14, 2026
- By Popular Demand: Love On A Leash Returns to Knollwood! - August 13, 2026
- Inside Knollwood’s Memory Care: A Personalized Approach to Dementia Care - August 11, 2026